How privilege occurs

How does privilege happen: as a consequence of the social system that we live. People make these systems, but are not the system itself. However, the systems would cease to exist without participants. A social system can be a lot of different things: a university, workplace, family etc.

These systems are created, or developed based on the actions of those involved with it. The participation of this system can be unique for the individuals involved. For example, two students could attend the same university. One could have an “A” average , while the other could be failing.

Although the both attend the same school, their experience within this social system would be quite different. Your grade in Academia, is generally the standard they hold of you,and your work. Having a lower grade than the other student may mean that they are not as educated, but it could be for a number of other reasons. These reasons could include poor attendance, more intense classes, etc. So, we have two individuals involved with a social system, with different experiences within it.

Social systems make up the relationships we maintain, and the world that we live in. But, because social systems have rules that result in distinctions between individuals, certain privileges arise.

For instance, if I were to walk down the street backwards, this would cause a bit of a stir. Not that walking backwards would cause fear, or be intimidating. But people within the social system of community, would not be use to this behavior.

Following the norm is what gives you privileges within social systems. We reward the expectable experience.




When we encounter “otherness” it can frighten, startle, arouse, or even enrage. But in modern society, what do we accept, and what do we shun? More importantly, to whose benefit do we do this?